noun a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety; tranquillity.
Also
at·a·rax·y [at -uh -rak-see] /ˈæt əˌræk si/ .
Origin of ataraxia 1595–1605; <
Latin <
Greek: calmness, equivalent to
atarák(tos ) unmoved (
a- a-6 +
tarak-, variant stem of
tarássein to disturb +
-tos verbid suffix) +
-s(is )
-sis +
-ia -ia Related forms at·a·rac·tic [at-uh -rak -tik] /ˌæt əˈræk tɪk/ at·a·rax·ic , adjective, noun Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for ataractic
ataractic ataraxic (ˌætəˈræksɪk )
adjective able to calm or tranquillize
Show More
noun obsolete an ataractic drug
Show More
ataraxia ataraxy (ˈætəˌræksɪ )
noun calmness or peace of mind; emotional tranquillity
Show More
Word Origin for ataraxia C17: from Greek: serenity, from ataraktos undisturbed, from a-1 1 + tarassein to trouble
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for ataractic adj. 1941, from Greek ataraktos "not disturbed" (see ataraxia ) + -ic .
Show More
n. also Englished as ataraxy , "calmness, impassivity," c.1600, from Modern Latin, from Greek ataraxia "impassiveness," from a- , privative prefix, + tarassein (Attic tarattein ) "to disturb, confuse," from PIE root *dher- "to make muddy, darken."
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
